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The Sharp Project, Thorp Road, Manchester
This formerly redundant building has been regenerated into a state of the art digital and media production hub. The 2,300 m2 former warehouse for Sharp Electronics is now home to 54 film, TV, music and design companies all of whom complement each other, as occupiers are chosen upon the profile of their business rather than simply the rent they will pay. Much of the original shell has been retained and this unprepossessing external space makes way for the drama of the transformed interiors, built around the circulation route and campus which create the traditional ambiance of a high street with town square.
The stripped workplaces are highly adaptable offering the creative occupiers maximum opportunity to adapt and personalise their spaces. When room became scarce, availability was expanded by introducing converted, used shipping containers which had been reinvented as glazed offices and plugged into the site’s world class technical infrastructure. These are positioned around the central street linking the various buildings and facilities - there is a waiting list for the space. The used containers were converted off site, allowing the main building to be prepared for occupation, decorated and service infrastructure installed.
Without the creator’s innovation this industrial site would have rotted and become another derelict industrial eyesore. But instead the occupants are now able to experience a unique blend of creative and thought provoking spaces that are easily adaptable as business practises change, grow or contract. The environment encourages the occupiers to collaborate, as well as compete, with each other for business.
The space stimulates work opportunities and gives a central meeting point for a variety of target activity, meetings, networks and events hosted at The Sharp Project. This area is served by a member’s entrance which allows occupiers to enter directly into the heart of the building, whilst visitors must journey past work spaces and offices, gaining an understanding of the building and allowing them to savour the thriving atmosphere. Through careful design The Sharp Project has turned a conventional office/warehouse building into a creative bustling town with various neighbourhoods adding to its unique identity.
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